Creating Economic Growth Dividends for Cities

Page 5 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013 NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 City News Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com Carrboro Named Healthy City was forced to subtract its annual fireworks show from the budget. A Published October 2013 Carrboro was named one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns” in soldier stationed at Fort Bragg entered the media organizations’ Red, 2013. The magazine sought the best cities to live a healthy life and White and You contest, which received more than 3,500 entries from praised the town’s running trails, numerous local farmers’ markets Americans sharing moving stories of why their towns deserve an all- Fall 2013 Newsletter and Weaver Street Market. American celebration. Charlotte Website Wins Award Raleigh One of Best-Run Cities RALEIGH Dividends for Cities – Online investor newsletter 24/7 Wall St. placed Raleigh seventh on The City of Charlotte Corporate Communications & Marketing Mayor Nancy McFarlane Message from the Chairman Chair And the Entire State its list of the 10 best-run cities in America. The ranking looked at the department earned an International Association of Business Mayor Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Merit for DNCinfo. HUNTERSVILLE We have just completed another busy session of cities’ credit rating, violent crime per 1,000 people and unemployment Mayor Jill Swain Nancy McFarlane rate. CharlotteNC.gov. The website was created to support the City’s “In Vice Chair the General Assembly. Legislators had a lot on their the Loop” public information campaign to keep the local community ROCKY MOUNT plates, and we appreciate that so many took the time Huntersville to Host Conference with Asian Companies informed about City services affected by the 2012 Democratic Mayor David Combs Treasurer to meet with our members and to listen to the needs We will monitor and update the Coalition as we each Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain recently announced that the Town National Convention. of our cities. I also want to extend a special thank of Huntersville, in partnership with SoZo Group, the Asian DURHAM continue to work with our city staffs to understand Burlington Fire Department Honored Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell you to all our mayors, their staffs and other local the full impacts of tax reform and this session’s Manufacturers Association (AMA), the Lake Norman Regional Past Chair The Burlington Fire Department received the N.C. Department of leaders who came to Raleigh to meet with legislators. legislation on our cities. Economic Development Corporation and the Charlotte Chamber of APEX Your hard work paid off in legislative successes and Commerce, will host a technology and innovation summit with Asian Labor Gold Safety Award for the second consecutive year. Mayor Keith Weatherly Another focus area for our Coalition this helped to build understanding and support. session was supporting the expansion of the manufacturers and businesses February 19-21, 2014. Gastonia Recognized for Excellence ASHEVILLE Mayor Terry Bellamy In spite of all the talk about rural issues and data-driven prioritization process to determine The City of Gastonia was recognized by the Centralina Council Thousands Celebrate Opening of Kannapolis Veterans Memorial BOONE urban issues, we realize that we are all one North transportation project funding. House Bill 817 Over 2,500 people attended the Memorial Day dedication of the of Governments with a Region of Excellence Award at its recent Mayor Loretta Clawson Carolina, working hard to grow our economy and represented a major change in how the State spends Veterans Park Memorial in downtown Kannapolis. Community Board meeting. Gastonia was presented the award for “Growing BURLINGTON improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. transportation dollars in North Carolina. It was one Mayor Ronnie Wall partners, the City of Kannapolis, The Cannon Foundation, Castle & the Economy” based on the outstanding growth in the Gastonia Cities are at the heart of our state’s future, and we of the Governor’s key initiatives of the session and Technology Park. Gastonia also proudly supported the Town CARRBORO continued to work this session to promote forward- Cooke and First Baptist Church joined Governor McCrory and other Mayor Mark Chilton bill sponsors Representatives B. Brawley, Torbett, of Cramerton for receiving the award for “Controlling Costs of thinking policies to strengthen that future. elected officials from across the state to recognize the more than 1,700 CARY Shepard and Iler and Senators Rabon and Harrington Cabarrus and Rowan County veterans who have died in service. Government” for its efforts to reduce costs by consolidating with the Mayor Harold Weinbrecht As we embarked on this session, a major concern did a masterful job of moving it through the body. Gastonia and forming Two Rivers Utilities. was protecting and expanding local revenue sources. Hickory Celebrates Playground Dedication CHAPEL HILL The legislation gives local governments and officials Cary Home to Public-Private Solar Farm Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt While the General Assembly spent significant time a voice in more Department of Transportation After 15 months of preparation and planning, the Zahra Baker CHARLOTTE debating tax reform, our members’ advocacy paid Cary has commissioned a 7-acre solar energy system at the South decisions, something that is critical to strengthening All Children’s Playground was officially dedicated on May 19, Mayor Patsy Kinsey dividends. The final legislation is estimated by the Cary Water Reclamation Facility that will provide enough energy planning and coordination. 2012. The playground includes accommodations for special needs CONCORD State to leave our cities whole if not slightly better. Continued on Page 2 and handicapped children, including a 50-foot slide, a play web of to power nearly 200 homes annually. The project is a partnership Mayor J. Scott Padgett interactive features, a sand area, climbers, swings, aero glider and between the Town and FLS Energy of Asheville. FAYETTEVILLE Accolades Mayor Anthony Chavonne poured-in-place safety surfacing. The project was spearheaded by the Chapel Hill Launches Hybrid Buses as part of the second annual “Great Places in North Carolina” initiative sponsored GASTONIA Creating Economic Growth Kiwanis Clubs of Hickory and memorializes a young Hickory girl. Mayor John Bridgeman Message from Chapel Hill Transit, the second-largest transit system in North • The Raleigh-Cary area tied for second in a Gallup poll asking residents if by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). NC Department of Commerce Greensboro Focuses on Youth Initiatives Carolina, recently welcomed the arrival of 15 new low-emission, they “felt comfortable walking alone in their community at night.” The poll was GOLDSBORO Greetings from the North Carolina Department of • Burlington’s Police and Recreation & Parks Departments received the N.C. Mayor Al King Commerce. My service thus far to our great state has This summer, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department diesel electric hybrid buses. Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and U.S. Rep. conducted among the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the nation. Secretary Department of Labor Silver Award for Safety. GREENSBORO been more rewarding than I could have imagined. It is an teamed up with the Greensboro Police Department, Public Library, David Price joined local leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Robbie Perkins Sharon Decker • Groundbreaking for a new 100,000-square-foot municipal center in downtown honor to be featured in your newsletter, and I would like City Arts and local community agencies to sponsor “Summer Night • The Town of Cary earned second place in the North Carolina American Water Greenville’s Uptown Grows Kannapolis is scheduled for February 2014. GREENVILLE to take this time to discuss Governor McCrory’s and my Lights” (SNL) for more than 5,000 teens. The goal of the program Works Association’s Best Tasting Water competition, which grades the water Mayor Allen Thomas A growing, prosperous Greenville is taking shape in the form of three, vision for North Carolina’s economic future, and brief I look across North Carolina’s communities was to provide more than 60 free, structured events and activities in • The City of Greensboro has launched a competition that will award $1 million quality of North Carolina municipal water suppliers. HICKORY multi-million dollar development projects in the Uptown District. A Mayor Rudy Wright you on the exciting progress we’re making at Commerce. and see unlimited opportunity. The Department of safe environments throughout the community to help deter juvenile for a proposal to spur economic growth in Greensboro. The economic catalyst new, $4.5 million Federal bankruptcy courthouse is being built only • The Durham Emergency Communications Center is now one of the few next HIGH POINT The more than three million citizens who dwell Commerce is focused on a forward-thinking vision for crime during the summer months. challenge is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Mayor Bernita Sims blocks away from a $42 million multi-use complex featuring luxury generation 9-1-1 systems in the country, laying the groundwork to enable it to in North Carolina’s metro regions are there because of economic prosperity. We want to be remembered as New Facility to Boost Environmental Education in Jacksonville apartment suites, restaurants and shops. The City is also building a $4 Administration’s Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2) grant that the City JACKSONVILLE opportunity -- the opportunity to live in an area that’s accept text, images and video once mobile carriers make this an available option to Mayor Sammy Phillips an administration that not only grew the net number of After 15 years of successful environmental education and youth million parking deck to help support area businesses. received in 2012. safe, prosperous, educated, and growing. It’s because their customers. KANNAPOLIS jobs in North Carolina, but also improved the quality of empowerment programs, the new Sturgeon City Civic and Durham Recognized for Addressing Childhood Obesity • A new $30 million City of Jacksonville Center for Public Safety is under Mayor Robert Misenheimer of leaders like you that North Carolina’s metro regions life for all of our citizens. I know in my heart that this is • Rocky Mount ranks #8 among U.S. metropolitan areas for the number of Environmental Education Center will be built on the site of a former construction to replace an aging 50-year-old Police and Fire Headquarters and Fire MONROE continue to thrive. the same thing that all of you want for your regions and The National League of Cities (NLC) recently recognized Durham technology- oriented jobs as reported recently by Milken Institute’s annual review wastewater plant for the City of Jacksonville. The Center will house and Mayor Bill Bell for completion of key health and wellness goals Station #1. Mayor Bobby Kilgore Governor McCrory often reflects on his time cities. education programs and showcase the City’s efforts to restore habitat of U.S. Best Performing Cities. Rocky Mount ranked #1 in the state among the 179 MOORESVILLE serving as Charlotte’s mayor. He cites the tough decisions In many ways, the expansion of North Carolina’s for First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! Cities, smallest metro areas for technology growth. Mayor Miles Atkins and water quality in the New River, where the Wilson Bay Wastewater Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative. The goal of the initiative is • The City of Wilmington implemented an initiative that increased the number of made during his tenure there, and how that leadership cities led us to become a global leader in several customers recycling by more than 50 percent and saved the City almost $220,000 SALISBURY opportunity now assists him as chief executive of North Treatment Plant had discharged for 40 years. to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. • The City of Concord’s fire protection improvements resulted in an ISO rating Mayor Paul Woodson industries. The 1990s led to a boom in education, annually. Carolina. As a founding member of the North Carolina Wilmington Completes Infrastructure Improvement Project upgrade that will reduce the fire insurance rates for many retail, commercial and WILMINGTON research, banking, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism rd Mayor Bill Saffo Metro Mayors Coalition, Governor McCrory knows and information technology, to name a few. Downtown Wilmington’s North 3 Street Improvement Project Rocky Mount Celebrates Streetscape Project • Fayetteville’s Hay Street was named a “Great Main Street” in the Coastal Plain industrial businesses. WINSTON-SALEM first-hand the countless challenges a mayor and city Our state continues to boast a young, highly was recently completed, affecting tens of thousands of citizens and The City of Rocky Mount recently celebrated the completion of Mayor Allen Joines council may face. educated workforce. Expanding and cultivating this is visitors. The $9.4 million, 18-month project was a cooperative effort the Downtown Streetscape Project. The $6.5 million Streetscape EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR For a time, I served as chair of the Charlotte Chamber critical to bringing business to our state. The investment with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority replacing aging sewer resulted in street improvements such as the addition of street trees, Julie White [email protected] while Gov. McCrory was mayor. We both knew what in quality of life that mayors and local governments lines, Progress Energy installing power lines underground and the benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, widened sidewalks, decorative Contact Information: Julie White, Executive Director and Lobbyist Office: (919) 787-8880 a great place Charlotte was, and we did everything in across North Carolina are making are a vital part of City paving this major gateway. pedestrian level lighting, the conversion of some streets to two-way NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Cell: (919) 539-7871 3605 Glenwood Avenue Suite 500 our power to solidify Charlotte’s leadership role in the attracting and retaining that workforce. operation to improve traffic flow, and changes to the infrastructure 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 [email protected] Raleigh, NC 27612 Fayetteville Celebrates Independence Day like underground utility upgrades and reconstruction of the storm www.ncmetromayors.com (919) 787-8880 region and in the state. We worked closely together If North Carolina’s local governments are focused Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com then, and I’m proud to be on his team again as we work on these investments, then I believe the leadership at the Television channel Destination America and USA WEEKEND drainage system. tirelessly to cultivate and maintain strong relationships state level should be, too. That brings me to my plan for magazine awarded Fayetteville a July 4 celebration after Fort Bragg Continued on Page 4 with mayors across North Carolina. Continued on Page 2 Page 2 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013 Page 3 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013 Page 4 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013

New Mayor Profile — Metro Mayors In Action Our Shared Goals Name: Mayor Patsy Kinsey What is it that drives mayors? Why do they run for office? What is it they want to accomplish? These MessageMessage from from are the questions I have been reflecting on as I mark my fifth anniversary with the Metro Mayors Coalition. thethe Chairman Executive Occupation: Consultant Without a doubt, I have found that what inspires mayors to run for office, what they seek to accomplish and Director Family: Children Charles Kinsey, David Kinsey, and Betsy Muse; grandchildren what brings them together in the Metro Mayors Coalition is their desire to improve the economy of their city Mayor and their region and to improve the lives of the citizens who live there. BillJulie Bell Cooper Kinsey, Katie Muse, and Emily Muse Before working for the Metro Mayors Coalition I spent ten years working for legislators and statewide White elected officials. As I have compared and contrasted the different elected officials I have worked for, I have Education: Attended the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina concluded that at their core they all share the same motivations. They all want to improve the economy and the lives of their constituents. (now UNC-Greensboro) Much of the discussion about mayors and legislators in the past has focused on the differences in approaches to achieving our shared goals rather than on the shared goals themselves. Some argue we can jumpstart the economy and improve the lives of citizens by lowering tax Patsy Kinsey, a Democrat, was sworn in as Mayor of Charlotte on July 1, 2013, after being appointed to the office by her colleagues on City rates. Others argue for further investments in education or infrastructure. I was recently reminded at an NCDOT Board meeting that as mayor, Council. Kinsey will complete the term of former Mayor Anthony Foxx, who resigned to serve as U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The term Governor McCrory would say that, if you attract a high quality workforce, business will follow. The truth likely lies in a mixture of all these ends in December 2013. Members of the Metro Mayors Executive Committee meet with Commerce ideas and more. Secretary Decker. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, Secretary Decker, Raleigh The goals and motivations of all our elected officials -- be they locally elected, regionally elected, or elected statewide -- are the same. We Kinsey is the second woman in Charlotte history to serve as the City’s Mayor. Her appointment marks the first time women have served as Mayor and Metro Mayors Chair Nancy McFarlane, Huntersville Mayor Jill Mayor, Chair of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, and Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education at the same time. Swain, Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly and Durham Mayor Bill Bell. all want to restart economies, attract a high quality workforce, attract new businesses and grow our existing businesses. If we focus all our As Mayor, Kinsey has made historic preservation and public art top priorities for her administration. A staunch supporter of Charlotte’s energies on our shared goals, can we build a new partnership? LGBT community, Kinsey helped pass same-sex domestic partner benefits for City employees as a member of City Council and became the first Big city mayors can be the spark to ignite this new partnership among the business community, legislators, county commissioners and Mayor to issue a “Charlotte Pride Weekend” proclamation. the other mayors in their region. Imagine a monthly meeting of the CEOs of the five largest employers in the area, key legislators, the chair of the county commission and mayors developing a shared vision for their community. They would jointly develop tactics and strategies to Kinsey was first elected to represent Charlotte’s District 1 as a member of City Council in 2003 and was serving in her fifth term when Kannapolis Mayor Robert Misenheimer, Governor Pat McCrory and Kannapolis City Council Member Ryan Dayvault during Kannapolis’ Memorial Day celebration. accomplish the vision. Through this process everyone at the table would feel a shared ownership of the plan’s success or failure. By working she was appointed Mayor. A longtime neighborhood advocate, she chaired the Council’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) together might they find more cooperation, consensus, compromise and success? Committee and was a member of the Council-Manager Relations and Transportation and Planning Committees. At the heart of each of these meetings would be the shared vision, as everyone at the table has the same interest in their community. They As Mayor, Kinsey continues to serve as the Council’s representative to the Discovery Place Board of Directors and the Centralina Council desire a city and a region that attracts a high-quality workforce and new businesses, a city and region where existing businesses flourish, and of Governments Executive Board, where she serves as Secretary. She is a member of the Charlotte Center City Partners Board of Directors and a city and region that has ample job opportunities. I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Vice Chair of the National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure and Services Committee. Gus Portokalos, speaking at his daughter’s wedding, notes that his family’s name is rooted in the word orange and his new son-in-law’s name Prior to joining City Council, Kinsey served two terms on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners from 1990 to 1994. She also is rooted in the word apple. And he says, “We are all different, but in the end, we all fruit.” served on the boards of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force. She was a member of the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, the Mecklenburg County Alliance of Excellence in Justice, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Landmarks Commission, and the City of Charlotte Historic District Commission. Kinsey works as the Director of Community Relations at Pease and Associates, an engineering and architectural firm. Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright presents Governor Pat McCrory Continued from Page 5 with the key to the city. City News Continued

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and NC DOT Secretary Tony Tata ride bikes on the new section of the Cross-City trail. Concord Celebrates “Great Main Street” the adoption of this target, the city has achieved a 17.67% reduction in Creating Economic Growth Dividends for Cities – And the Entire State Community leaders recently celebrated the selection of Concord’s emissions, and it has also established a self-sustaining funding source Continued from Page 1 Continued from Page 1 Union Street as the 2013 “People’s Choice” for “Great Main Street” that recycles energy savings to invest in additional sustainability in North Carolina. This award is part of the “Great Places in North programs improving the overall economic health of our state. I am committed to focusing The bill also looks to the future by implementing policies that will Carolina” initiative sponsored by the North Carolina Chapter of the on the following five tenets of overall economic health: access to health care, support the long-term growth and maintenance of our transportation American Planning Association (APA-NC). City of Wilson to Offer Gigabit Internet Service education, economic development and job creation, arts, culture and systems. The bill creates additional revenue streams expanding the use Greenlight, the broadband provider owned and operated by the City tourism, and quality of life and the environment. of tolling on new capacity, adding an annual fee on electric vehicles, Boone Honored as “Tree City” of Wilson, recently began offering gigabit Internet connectivity Our team has been focused on emphasizing these five tenets since we and extending the highway use tax to dealer fees. The bill uses new services to its customers. In January, the Federal Communications took office in January. While we know that a lot of heavy lifting remains, I tools to speed the completion of projects, including encouraging local The Town of Boone observed its annual Arbor Day celebration during the Boone Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch and Learn event. During Commission Chairman issued the “Gigabit City Challenge” which am convinced North Carolina’s economy is on the right track. Businesses governments to bring local dollars to the table, expanding the use of th challenged providers to offer gigabit service in at least one community continue to expand and relocate throughout our state, and the metro regions public private-partnerships, and utilizing design-build methods. the event, the town received its 20th Tree City USA award and its 9 Tree City USA Growth award. in each state by 2015. Gigabit services are approximately 100 times are leading that effort with impressive job growth for 2013. Since January The Metro Mayors established an ambitious agenda focused on Governor Pat McCrory and Raleigh Salisbury Mayor Paul Woodson faster than average high-speed Internet connections. 1st, companies have announced plans to create more than 15,100 jobs and the common needs of the State’s largest cities. Through our members’ Mayor Nancy McFarlane speak at a press and Governor McCrory meet at the Winston-Salem Celebrates Merger invest over $1.5 billion in North Carolina. efforts and working with legislators, we achieved major goals that conference about the Dorothea Dix property. Governor’s Mansion. Goldsboro’s Finance Department Recognized The North Carolina Metro Mayors Coalition can rest assured that you will yield dividends for years to come – for the entire state. Rep. John Torbett, Metro Mayors Executive Director Julie White and Rep. Phil Shepard Winston-Salem celebrated the centennial of the 1913 merger of Salem attend Governor McCrory’s signing ceremony for House Bill 192. and Winston with four days of activities May 9 – 12 including a The Government Finance Officers Association awarded Goldsboro’s have friends and strategic partners in Governor McCrory and me. We know Finance Department the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in that when cities and metro regions flourish, our entire economy succeeds historical marker unveiling, a City Hall reception, a parade, a luncheon for city centenarians, the world premiere of a festive Financial Reporting.” It is presented to government units and public in the global marketplace. I commend the North Carolina Metropolitan employee retirement systems whose comprehensive annual financial Mayors Coalition for its continued non-partisan, mayor-driven emphasis piece for orchestra commissioned for the centennial, the premiere of a documentary that traced the origins of the towns and their reports (CAFRs) achieve the highest standards in governmental on the development of cities and metro regions. The North Carolina accounting and financial reporting. Department of Commerce stands ready to assist you in any way, and I look path to consolidation, a gallery hop and community birthday toast in Winston-Salem’s arts district, a centennial scavenger hunt, and a forward to visiting all of your cities in the coming months and years. Here’s Mooresville Mayor Honored for Improving Health to a prosperous North Carolina! multi-congregational worship service. NC Prevention Partners presented Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins Asheville Wins Climate Protection Award with the Jim Long Award for Individual Prevention Excellence. The The North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, founded in 2001, is comprised of the mayors of the state’s larger cities, with more than three million citizens. Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy was selected as the nation’s top organization, which is a national leader in guiding schools, hospitals The Coalition is a non-partisan, mayor-driven organization that focuses on issues of special interest to our large cities in a fast-growing and urbanizing state. The winner in the 2013 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards, an initiative and workplaces to improve their culture of wellness, presents its Coalition has worked successfully with federal and state elected officials to promote job creation, protect local revenues, invest in public infrastructure, and keep Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain, Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Mooresville Mayor Miles sponsored by The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Walmart. Prevention Excellence awards each year to outstanding individuals our cities safe. Atkins, Burlington Mayor Ronnie Wall and Rocky Mount Mayor David Combs The City of Asheville established a goal to cut carbon emissions in its and organizations for their contributions to making North Carolina a meet with NCDOT Secreatry Tony Tata to discuss transportation issues. Members of the Metro Mayors meet with Governor Pat McCrory at the Governor’s Mansion. municipal activities by 80 percent by 2030. In the five years following healthier place to live, work and learn. Page 5 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013 NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 City News Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com Carrboro Named Healthy City was forced to subtract its annual fireworks show from the budget. A Published October 2013 Carrboro was named one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns” in soldier stationed at Fort Bragg entered the media organizations’ Red, 2013. The magazine sought the best cities to live a healthy life and White and You contest, which received more than 3,500 entries from praised the town’s running trails, numerous local farmers’ markets Americans sharing moving stories of why their towns deserve an all- Fall 2013 Newsletter and Weaver Street Market. American celebration. Charlotte Website Wins Award Raleigh One of Best-Run Cities RALEIGH Dividends for Cities – Online investor newsletter 24/7 Wall St. placed Raleigh seventh on The City of Charlotte Corporate Communications & Marketing Mayor Nancy McFarlane Message from the Chairman Chair And the Entire State its list of the 10 best-run cities in America. The ranking looked at the department earned an International Association of Business Mayor Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Merit for DNCinfo. HUNTERSVILLE We have just completed another busy session of cities’ credit rating, violent crime per 1,000 people and unemployment Mayor Jill Swain Nancy McFarlane rate. CharlotteNC.gov. The website was created to support the City’s “In Vice Chair the General Assembly. Legislators had a lot on their the Loop” public information campaign to keep the local community ROCKY MOUNT plates, and we appreciate that so many took the time Huntersville to Host Conference with Asian Companies informed about City services affected by the 2012 Democratic Mayor David Combs Treasurer to meet with our members and to listen to the needs We will monitor and update the Coalition as we each Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain recently announced that the Town National Convention. of our cities. I also want to extend a special thank of Huntersville, in partnership with SoZo Group, the Asian DURHAM continue to work with our city staffs to understand Burlington Fire Department Honored Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell you to all our mayors, their staffs and other local the full impacts of tax reform and this session’s Manufacturers Association (AMA), the Lake Norman Regional Past Chair The Burlington Fire Department received the N.C. Department of leaders who came to Raleigh to meet with legislators. legislation on our cities. Economic Development Corporation and the Charlotte Chamber of APEX Your hard work paid off in legislative successes and Commerce, will host a technology and innovation summit with Asian Labor Gold Safety Award for the second consecutive year. Mayor Keith Weatherly Another focus area for our Coalition this helped to build understanding and support. session was supporting the expansion of the manufacturers and businesses February 19-21, 2014. Gastonia Recognized for Excellence ASHEVILLE Mayor Terry Bellamy In spite of all the talk about rural issues and data-driven prioritization process to determine The City of Gastonia was recognized by the Centralina Council Thousands Celebrate Opening of Kannapolis Veterans Memorial BOONE urban issues, we realize that we are all one North transportation project funding. House Bill 817 Over 2,500 people attended the Memorial Day dedication of the of Governments with a Region of Excellence Award at its recent Mayor Loretta Clawson Carolina, working hard to grow our economy and represented a major change in how the State spends Veterans Park Memorial in downtown Kannapolis. Community Board meeting. Gastonia was presented the award for “Growing BURLINGTON improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. transportation dollars in North Carolina. It was one Mayor Ronnie Wall partners, the City of Kannapolis, The Cannon Foundation, Castle & the Economy” based on the outstanding growth in the Gastonia Cities are at the heart of our state’s future, and we of the Governor’s key initiatives of the session and Technology Park. Gastonia also proudly supported the Town CARRBORO continued to work this session to promote forward- Cooke and First Baptist Church joined Governor McCrory and other Mayor Mark Chilton bill sponsors Representatives B. Brawley, Torbett, of Cramerton for receiving the award for “Controlling Costs of thinking policies to strengthen that future. elected officials from across the state to recognize the more than 1,700 CARY Shepard and Iler and Senators Rabon and Harrington Cabarrus and Rowan County veterans who have died in service. Government” for its efforts to reduce costs by consolidating with the Mayor Harold Weinbrecht As we embarked on this session, a major concern did a masterful job of moving it through the body. Gastonia and forming Two Rivers Utilities. was protecting and expanding local revenue sources. Hickory Celebrates Playground Dedication CHAPEL HILL The legislation gives local governments and officials Cary Home to Public-Private Solar Farm Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt While the General Assembly spent significant time a voice in more Department of Transportation After 15 months of preparation and planning, the Zahra Baker CHARLOTTE debating tax reform, our members’ advocacy paid Cary has commissioned a 7-acre solar energy system at the South decisions, something that is critical to strengthening All Children’s Playground was officially dedicated on May 19, Mayor Patsy Kinsey dividends. The final legislation is estimated by the Cary Water Reclamation Facility that will provide enough energy planning and coordination. 2012. The playground includes accommodations for special needs CONCORD State to leave our cities whole if not slightly better. Continued on Page 2 and handicapped children, including a 50-foot slide, a play web of to power nearly 200 homes annually. The project is a partnership Mayor J. Scott Padgett interactive features, a sand area, climbers, swings, aero glider and between the Town and FLS Energy of Asheville. FAYETTEVILLE Accolades Mayor Anthony Chavonne poured-in-place safety surfacing. The project was spearheaded by the Chapel Hill Launches Hybrid Buses as part of the second annual “Great Places in North Carolina” initiative sponsored GASTONIA Creating Economic Growth Kiwanis Clubs of Hickory and memorializes a young Hickory girl. Mayor John Bridgeman Message from Chapel Hill Transit, the second-largest transit system in North • The Raleigh-Cary area tied for second in a Gallup poll asking residents if by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). NC Department of Commerce Greensboro Focuses on Youth Initiatives Carolina, recently welcomed the arrival of 15 new low-emission, they “felt comfortable walking alone in their community at night.” The poll was GOLDSBORO Greetings from the North Carolina Department of • Burlington’s Police and Recreation & Parks Departments received the N.C. Mayor Al King Commerce. My service thus far to our great state has This summer, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department diesel electric hybrid buses. Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and U.S. Rep. conducted among the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the nation. Secretary Department of Labor Silver Award for Safety. GREENSBORO been more rewarding than I could have imagined. It is an teamed up with the Greensboro Police Department, Public Library, David Price joined local leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Robbie Perkins Sharon Decker • Groundbreaking for a new 100,000-square-foot municipal center in downtown honor to be featured in your newsletter, and I would like City Arts and local community agencies to sponsor “Summer Night • The Town of Cary earned second place in the North Carolina American Water Greenville’s Uptown Grows Kannapolis is scheduled for February 2014. GREENVILLE to take this time to discuss Governor McCrory’s and my Lights” (SNL) for more than 5,000 teens. The goal of the program Works Association’s Best Tasting Water competition, which grades the water Mayor Allen Thomas A growing, prosperous Greenville is taking shape in the form of three, vision for North Carolina’s economic future, and brief I look across North Carolina’s communities was to provide more than 60 free, structured events and activities in • The City of Greensboro has launched a competition that will award $1 million quality of North Carolina municipal water suppliers. HICKORY multi-million dollar development projects in the Uptown District. A Mayor Rudy Wright you on the exciting progress we’re making at Commerce. and see unlimited opportunity. The Department of safe environments throughout the community to help deter juvenile for a proposal to spur economic growth in Greensboro. The economic catalyst new, $4.5 million Federal bankruptcy courthouse is being built only • The Durham Emergency Communications Center is now one of the few next HIGH POINT The more than three million citizens who dwell Commerce is focused on a forward-thinking vision for crime during the summer months. challenge is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Mayor Bernita Sims blocks away from a $42 million multi-use complex featuring luxury generation 9-1-1 systems in the country, laying the groundwork to enable it to in North Carolina’s metro regions are there because of economic prosperity. We want to be remembered as New Facility to Boost Environmental Education in Jacksonville apartment suites, restaurants and shops. The City is also building a $4 Administration’s Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2) grant that the City JACKSONVILLE opportunity -- the opportunity to live in an area that’s accept text, images and video once mobile carriers make this an available option to Mayor Sammy Phillips an administration that not only grew the net number of After 15 years of successful environmental education and youth million parking deck to help support area businesses. received in 2012. safe, prosperous, educated, and growing. It’s because their customers. KANNAPOLIS jobs in North Carolina, but also improved the quality of empowerment programs, the new Sturgeon City Civic and Durham Recognized for Addressing Childhood Obesity • A new $30 million City of Jacksonville Center for Public Safety is under Mayor Robert Misenheimer of leaders like you that North Carolina’s metro regions life for all of our citizens. I know in my heart that this is • Rocky Mount ranks #8 among U.S. metropolitan areas for the number of Environmental Education Center will be built on the site of a former construction to replace an aging 50-year-old Police and Fire Headquarters and Fire MONROE continue to thrive. the same thing that all of you want for your regions and The National League of Cities (NLC) recently recognized Durham technology- oriented jobs as reported recently by Milken Institute’s annual review wastewater plant for the City of Jacksonville. The Center will house and Mayor Bill Bell for completion of key health and wellness goals Station #1. Mayor Bobby Kilgore Governor McCrory often reflects on his time cities. education programs and showcase the City’s efforts to restore habitat of U.S. Best Performing Cities. Rocky Mount ranked #1 in the state among the 179 MOORESVILLE serving as Charlotte’s mayor. He cites the tough decisions In many ways, the expansion of North Carolina’s for First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! Cities, smallest metro areas for technology growth. Mayor Miles Atkins and water quality in the New River, where the Wilson Bay Wastewater Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative. The goal of the initiative is • The City of Wilmington implemented an initiative that increased the number of made during his tenure there, and how that leadership cities led us to become a global leader in several customers recycling by more than 50 percent and saved the City almost $220,000 SALISBURY opportunity now assists him as chief executive of North Treatment Plant had discharged for 40 years. to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. • The City of Concord’s fire protection improvements resulted in an ISO rating Mayor Paul Woodson industries. The 1990s led to a boom in education, annually. Carolina. As a founding member of the North Carolina Wilmington Completes Infrastructure Improvement Project upgrade that will reduce the fire insurance rates for many retail, commercial and WILMINGTON research, banking, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism rd Mayor Bill Saffo Metro Mayors Coalition, Governor McCrory knows and information technology, to name a few. Downtown Wilmington’s North 3 Street Improvement Project Rocky Mount Celebrates Streetscape Project • Fayetteville’s Hay Street was named a “Great Main Street” in the Coastal Plain industrial businesses. WINSTON-SALEM first-hand the countless challenges a mayor and city Our state continues to boast a young, highly was recently completed, affecting tens of thousands of citizens and The City of Rocky Mount recently celebrated the completion of Mayor Allen Joines council may face. educated workforce. Expanding and cultivating this is visitors. The $9.4 million, 18-month project was a cooperative effort the Downtown Streetscape Project. The $6.5 million Streetscape EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR For a time, I served as chair of the Charlotte Chamber critical to bringing business to our state. The investment with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority replacing aging sewer resulted in street improvements such as the addition of street trees, Julie White [email protected] while Gov. McCrory was mayor. We both knew what in quality of life that mayors and local governments lines, Progress Energy installing power lines underground and the benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, widened sidewalks, decorative Contact Information: Julie White, Executive Director and Lobbyist Office: (919) 787-8880 a great place Charlotte was, and we did everything in across North Carolina are making are a vital part of City paving this major gateway. pedestrian level lighting, the conversion of some streets to two-way NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Cell: (919) 539-7871 3605 Glenwood Avenue Suite 500 our power to solidify Charlotte’s leadership role in the attracting and retaining that workforce. operation to improve traffic flow, and changes to the infrastructure 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 [email protected] Raleigh, NC 27612 Fayetteville Celebrates Independence Day like underground utility upgrades and reconstruction of the storm www.ncmetromayors.com (919) 787-8880 region and in the state. We worked closely together If North Carolina’s local governments are focused Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com then, and I’m proud to be on his team again as we work on these investments, then I believe the leadership at the Television channel Destination America and USA WEEKEND drainage system. tirelessly to cultivate and maintain strong relationships state level should be, too. That brings me to my plan for magazine awarded Fayetteville a July 4 celebration after Fort Bragg Continued on Page 4 with mayors across North Carolina. Continued on Page 2 Page 5 H NC METROPOLITAN MAYORS COALITION H FALL 2013 NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 City News Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com Carrboro Named Healthy City was forced to subtract its annual fireworks show from the budget. A Published October 2013 Carrboro was named one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns” in soldier stationed at Fort Bragg entered the media organizations’ Red, 2013. The magazine sought the best cities to live a healthy life and White and You contest, which received more than 3,500 entries from praised the town’s running trails, numerous local farmers’ markets Americans sharing moving stories of why their towns deserve an all- Fall 2013 Newsletter and Weaver Street Market. American celebration. Charlotte Website Wins Award Raleigh One of Best-Run Cities RALEIGH Dividends for Cities – Online investor newsletter 24/7 Wall St. placed Raleigh seventh on The City of Charlotte Corporate Communications & Marketing Mayor Nancy McFarlane Message from the Chairman Chair And the Entire State its list of the 10 best-run cities in America. The ranking looked at the department earned an International Association of Business Mayor Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Merit for DNCinfo. HUNTERSVILLE We have just completed another busy session of cities’ credit rating, violent crime per 1,000 people and unemployment Mayor Jill Swain Nancy McFarlane rate. CharlotteNC.gov. The website was created to support the City’s “In Vice Chair the General Assembly. Legislators had a lot on their the Loop” public information campaign to keep the local community ROCKY MOUNT plates, and we appreciate that so many took the time Huntersville to Host Conference with Asian Companies informed about City services affected by the 2012 Democratic Mayor David Combs Treasurer to meet with our members and to listen to the needs We will monitor and update the Coalition as we each Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain recently announced that the Town National Convention. of our cities. I also want to extend a special thank of Huntersville, in partnership with SoZo Group, the Asian DURHAM continue to work with our city staffs to understand Burlington Fire Department Honored Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell you to all our mayors, their staffs and other local the full impacts of tax reform and this session’s Manufacturers Association (AMA), the Lake Norman Regional Past Chair The Burlington Fire Department received the N.C. Department of leaders who came to Raleigh to meet with legislators. legislation on our cities. Economic Development Corporation and the Charlotte Chamber of APEX Your hard work paid off in legislative successes and Commerce, will host a technology and innovation summit with Asian Labor Gold Safety Award for the second consecutive year. Mayor Keith Weatherly Another focus area for our Coalition this helped to build understanding and support. session was supporting the expansion of the manufacturers and businesses February 19-21, 2014. Gastonia Recognized for Excellence ASHEVILLE Mayor Terry Bellamy In spite of all the talk about rural issues and data-driven prioritization process to determine The City of Gastonia was recognized by the Centralina Council Thousands Celebrate Opening of Kannapolis Veterans Memorial BOONE urban issues, we realize that we are all one North transportation project funding. House Bill 817 Over 2,500 people attended the Memorial Day dedication of the of Governments with a Region of Excellence Award at its recent Mayor Loretta Clawson Carolina, working hard to grow our economy and represented a major change in how the State spends Veterans Park Memorial in downtown Kannapolis. Community Board meeting. Gastonia was presented the award for “Growing BURLINGTON improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. transportation dollars in North Carolina. It was one Mayor Ronnie Wall partners, the City of Kannapolis, The Cannon Foundation, Castle & the Economy” based on the outstanding growth in the Gastonia Cities are at the heart of our state’s future, and we of the Governor’s key initiatives of the session and Technology Park. Gastonia also proudly supported the Town CARRBORO continued to work this session to promote forward- Cooke and First Baptist Church joined Governor McCrory and other Mayor Mark Chilton bill sponsors Representatives B. Brawley, Torbett, of Cramerton for receiving the award for “Controlling Costs of thinking policies to strengthen that future. elected officials from across the state to recognize the more than 1,700 CARY Shepard and Iler and Senators Rabon and Harrington Cabarrus and Rowan County veterans who have died in service. Government” for its efforts to reduce costs by consolidating with the Mayor Harold Weinbrecht As we embarked on this session, a major concern did a masterful job of moving it through the body. Gastonia and forming Two Rivers Utilities. was protecting and expanding local revenue sources. Hickory Celebrates Playground Dedication CHAPEL HILL The legislation gives local governments and officials Cary Home to Public-Private Solar Farm Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt While the General Assembly spent significant time a voice in more Department of Transportation After 15 months of preparation and planning, the Zahra Baker CHARLOTTE debating tax reform, our members’ advocacy paid Cary has commissioned a 7-acre solar energy system at the South decisions, something that is critical to strengthening All Children’s Playground was officially dedicated on May 19, Mayor Patsy Kinsey dividends. The final legislation is estimated by the Cary Water Reclamation Facility that will provide enough energy planning and coordination. 2012. The playground includes accommodations for special needs CONCORD State to leave our cities whole if not slightly better. Continued on Page 2 and handicapped children, including a 50-foot slide, a play web of to power nearly 200 homes annually. The project is a partnership Mayor J. Scott Padgett interactive features, a sand area, climbers, swings, aero glider and between the Town and FLS Energy of Asheville. FAYETTEVILLE Accolades Mayor Anthony Chavonne poured-in-place safety surfacing. The project was spearheaded by the Chapel Hill Launches Hybrid Buses as part of the second annual “Great Places in North Carolina” initiative sponsored GASTONIA Creating Economic Growth Kiwanis Clubs of Hickory and memorializes a young Hickory girl. Mayor John Bridgeman Message from Chapel Hill Transit, the second-largest transit system in North • The Raleigh-Cary area tied for second in a Gallup poll asking residents if by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). NC Department of Commerce Greensboro Focuses on Youth Initiatives Carolina, recently welcomed the arrival of 15 new low-emission, they “felt comfortable walking alone in their community at night.” The poll was GOLDSBORO Greetings from the North Carolina Department of • Burlington’s Police and Recreation & Parks Departments received the N.C. Mayor Al King Commerce. My service thus far to our great state has This summer, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department diesel electric hybrid buses. Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and U.S. Rep. conducted among the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the nation. Secretary Department of Labor Silver Award for Safety. GREENSBORO been more rewarding than I could have imagined. It is an teamed up with the Greensboro Police Department, Public Library, David Price joined local leaders for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Robbie Perkins Sharon Decker • Groundbreaking for a new 100,000-square-foot municipal center in downtown honor to be featured in your newsletter, and I would like City Arts and local community agencies to sponsor “Summer Night • The Town of Cary earned second place in the North Carolina American Water Greenville’s Uptown Grows Kannapolis is scheduled for February 2014. GREENVILLE to take this time to discuss Governor McCrory’s and my Lights” (SNL) for more than 5,000 teens. The goal of the program Works Association’s Best Tasting Water competition, which grades the water Mayor Allen Thomas A growing, prosperous Greenville is taking shape in the form of three, vision for North Carolina’s economic future, and brief I look across North Carolina’s communities was to provide more than 60 free, structured events and activities in • The City of Greensboro has launched a competition that will award $1 million quality of North Carolina municipal water suppliers. HICKORY multi-million dollar development projects in the Uptown District. A Mayor Rudy Wright you on the exciting progress we’re making at Commerce. and see unlimited opportunity. The Department of safe environments throughout the community to help deter juvenile for a proposal to spur economic growth in Greensboro. The economic catalyst new, $4.5 million Federal bankruptcy courthouse is being built only • The Durham Emergency Communications Center is now one of the few next HIGH POINT The more than three million citizens who dwell Commerce is focused on a forward-thinking vision for crime during the summer months. challenge is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Mayor Bernita Sims blocks away from a $42 million multi-use complex featuring luxury generation 9-1-1 systems in the country, laying the groundwork to enable it to in North Carolina’s metro regions are there because of economic prosperity. We want to be remembered as New Facility to Boost Environmental Education in Jacksonville apartment suites, restaurants and shops. The City is also building a $4 Administration’s Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2) grant that the City JACKSONVILLE opportunity -- the opportunity to live in an area that’s accept text, images and video once mobile carriers make this an available option to Mayor Sammy Phillips an administration that not only grew the net number of After 15 years of successful environmental education and youth million parking deck to help support area businesses. received in 2012. safe, prosperous, educated, and growing. It’s because their customers. KANNAPOLIS jobs in North Carolina, but also improved the quality of empowerment programs, the new Sturgeon City Civic and Durham Recognized for Addressing Childhood Obesity • A new $30 million City of Jacksonville Center for Public Safety is under Mayor Robert Misenheimer of leaders like you that North Carolina’s metro regions life for all of our citizens. I know in my heart that this is • Rocky Mount ranks #8 among U.S. metropolitan areas for the number of Environmental Education Center will be built on the site of a former construction to replace an aging 50-year-old Police and Fire Headquarters and Fire MONROE continue to thrive. the same thing that all of you want for your regions and The National League of Cities (NLC) recently recognized Durham technology- oriented jobs as reported recently by Milken Institute’s annual review wastewater plant for the City of Jacksonville. The Center will house and Mayor Bill Bell for completion of key health and wellness goals Station #1. Mayor Bobby Kilgore Governor McCrory often reflects on his time cities. education programs and showcase the City’s efforts to restore habitat of U.S. Best Performing Cities. Rocky Mount ranked #1 in the state among the 179 MOORESVILLE serving as Charlotte’s mayor. He cites the tough decisions In many ways, the expansion of North Carolina’s for First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! Cities, smallest metro areas for technology growth. Mayor Miles Atkins and water quality in the New River, where the Wilson Bay Wastewater Towns and Counties (LMCTC) initiative. The goal of the initiative is • The City of Wilmington implemented an initiative that increased the number of made during his tenure there, and how that leadership cities led us to become a global leader in several customers recycling by more than 50 percent and saved the City almost $220,000 SALISBURY opportunity now assists him as chief executive of North Treatment Plant had discharged for 40 years. to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. • The City of Concord’s fire protection improvements resulted in an ISO rating Mayor Paul Woodson industries. The 1990s led to a boom in education, annually. Carolina. As a founding member of the North Carolina Wilmington Completes Infrastructure Improvement Project upgrade that will reduce the fire insurance rates for many retail, commercial and WILMINGTON research, banking, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism rd Mayor Bill Saffo Metro Mayors Coalition, Governor McCrory knows and information technology, to name a few. Downtown Wilmington’s North 3 Street Improvement Project Rocky Mount Celebrates Streetscape Project • Fayetteville’s Hay Street was named a “Great Main Street” in the Coastal Plain industrial businesses. WINSTON-SALEM first-hand the countless challenges a mayor and city Our state continues to boast a young, highly was recently completed, affecting tens of thousands of citizens and The City of Rocky Mount recently celebrated the completion of Mayor Allen Joines council may face. educated workforce. Expanding and cultivating this is visitors. The $9.4 million, 18-month project was a cooperative effort the Downtown Streetscape Project. The $6.5 million Streetscape EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR For a time, I served as chair of the Charlotte Chamber critical to bringing business to our state. The investment with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority replacing aging sewer resulted in street improvements such as the addition of street trees, Julie White [email protected] while Gov. McCrory was mayor. We both knew what in quality of life that mayors and local governments lines, Progress Energy installing power lines underground and the benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, widened sidewalks, decorative Contact Information: Julie White, Executive Director and Lobbyist Office: (919) 787-8880 a great place Charlotte was, and we did everything in across North Carolina are making are a vital part of City paving this major gateway. pedestrian level lighting, the conversion of some streets to two-way NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Cell: (919) 539-7871 3605 Glenwood Avenue Suite 500 our power to solidify Charlotte’s leadership role in the attracting and retaining that workforce. operation to improve traffic flow, and changes to the infrastructure 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500 [email protected] Raleigh, NC 27612 Fayetteville Celebrates Independence Day like underground utility upgrades and reconstruction of the storm www.ncmetromayors.com (919) 787-8880 region and in the state. We worked closely together If North Carolina’s local governments are focused Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 www.ncmetromayors.com then, and I’m proud to be on his team again as we work on these investments, then I believe the leadership at the Television channel Destination America and USA WEEKEND drainage system. tirelessly to cultivate and maintain strong relationships state level should be, too. That brings me to my plan for magazine awarded Fayetteville a July 4 celebration after Fort Bragg Continued on Page 4 with mayors across North Carolina. Continued on Page 2 2013 Advocacy Report Card The Metro Mayors Coalition did a great job mobilizing its members, the business community and citizens in support of the 2013 Advocacy Agenda. Through meetings with the Governor, the Speaker, the President Pro Tempore, legislators, and cabinet secretaries, we accomplished the agenda we set forth and plan to build upon our successes in the future.

Goal Result Protect and Expand Municipal Revenue Sources The General Assembly passed tax reform (H998) this session. While the full impact is not yet known, the General Assembly estimates it will leave our cities whole, if not slightly better. Additionally, the leadership of the General Assembly committed to Metro Mayors before session began that they would not balance the state budget (S402) from a revenue standpoint on the backs of cities, and they honored that commitment. Lastly, the Metro Mayors Coalition has continued to advocate against the transfer of  state roads to our cities, and that was not a topic of discussion during the long session.

Ensure Safe Communities The Legislature passed the Pretrial Release bill (S316) with unanimous votes. We thank Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell who brought the suggested legislation to the Metro Mayors for consideration and bill sponsors Rep. Michaux, Rep. Faircloth, Sen. McKissick and Sen. Woodard for their hard work to pass the legislation into law.  Better Maintain and Expand Our Transportation Infrastructure The Metro Mayors adopted a resolution in December to strongly support the expansion of the State’s data-driven prioritization process for determining which transportation projects to construct. The Strategic Transportation Investments bill (H817) was a major rewrite of how projects compete for funding. It was one of Governor McCrory’s key initiatives, and bill sponsors Rep. B. Brawley, Rep. Torbett, Rep. Shepard, Rep. Iler, Sen. Rabon and Sen. Harrington did a masterful job moving it through the two chambers. The bill addressed many of the Metro Mayors Coalition’s transportation goals  including enacting additional revenues by expanding the use of tolling on new capacity, adding an annual fee on electric vehicles, and extending the highway use tax to dealer fees. The bill incentivizes locals to bring dollars to the table and expands the use of public private partnerships and design build construction methods to speed up project delivery. The local voice the Metro Mayors was seeking in NCDOT decisions is a centerpiece of the legislation. Through the Metro Mayors’ strong advocacy, the non-highway modes of transportation were given a more favorable status than first conceived, and the Metro Mayors were included in the workgroup which will continue to develop the formulas that underpin the legislation. Appropriately Apply the State Ethics Act To MPOs/RPOs The Metro Mayors sought a more appropriate application of the State Ethics Act to MPOs and RPOs. Our membership, along with other associations and members of MPO/RPO boards, had conversations with legislators and wrote letters expressing concerns about the issue. The Legislature passed Senate Bill 411, shepherded by Sen. Harrington, to remove technical staff from the ethics requirements and amended the laws related to the TACs such that they are better matched to the work of the body.  Improve Economic Development/Revitalize Downtowns The Metro Mayors worked with NCDOT before session to develop H192 to allow sidewalk dining along State roads. The Metro Mayors secured the support of local chambers, downtown development authorities, and trade associations early in the session. Bill sponsor, Rep. Shepard, did an excellent job seeing the bill successfully through the two chambers, and Governor McCrory hosted a signing ceremony with the bill sponsors and the Metro Mayors when he signed it into law. 

NCCOM_Agenda_2013_FINAL_Layout 1 10/4/13 5:10 PM Page 1

ApEx AShEvIllE 2013 MEMBERS BOONE BuRlINGTON CARRBORO CARy ChApEl hIll ChARlOTTE Town of Apex City of Asheville Town of Boone City of Burlington Town of Carrboro Town of Cary Town of Chapel Hill CONCORD Mayor Keith Mayor Terry Bellamy Mayor Loretta Mayor Ronnie Wall Mayor Mark Chilton Mayor Harold Mayor Mark Weatherly [email protected] Clawson [email protected] [email protected] Weinbrecht Kleinschmidt DuRhAM [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] mkleinschmidt @townofchapelhill.org FAyETTEvIllE GASTONIA GOlDSBORO GREENSBORO GREENvIllE hICkORy City of Charlotte City of Concord City of Durham City of Fayetteville City of Gastonia City of Goldsboro City of Greensboro Mayor Patsy Kinsey Mayor J. Scott Mayor William Bell Mayor Anthony Mayor John Mayor Alfonzo King Mayor Robbie [email protected] Padgett [email protected] Chavonne Bridgeman [email protected] Perkins hIGh pOINT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] huNTERSvIllE JACkSONvIllE kANNApOlIS MONROE MOORESvIllE RAlEIGh City of Greenville City of Hickory City of High Point Town of Huntersville City of Jacksonville City of Kannapolis City of Monroe Mayor Allen Thomas Mayor Rudy Wright Mayor Bernita Mayor Jill Swain Mayor Sammy Mayor Robert Mayor Bobby Kilgore ROCky MOuNT [email protected] [email protected] Sims [email protected] Phillips Misenheimer [email protected] 2 013 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SAlISBuRy WIlMINGTON WIlSON WINSTON-SAlEM AGENDA

City of Mooresville City of Raleigh City of Rocky Mount City of Salisbury City of Wilmington City of Winston-Salem Mayor Miles Atkins Mayor Nancy Mayor David Combs Mayor Paul Woodson Mayor Bill Saffo Mayor Allen Joines [email protected] McFarlane [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

3605 Glenwood, Suite 500 • Raleigh, NC 27612 Julie White Shenise Oakley Office (919) 787-8880 • IM @ Twitter: http://twitter.com/MetroMayors Executive Director Administrative Assistant & Lobbyist (919) 787-8880 ext. 367 (919) 787-8880 ext. 333 [email protected] cell: (919) 539-7871 www.ncmetromayors.com [email protected]